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Renowned SABC television and radio presenter Vuyo Mbuli has died in a Bloemfontein hospital. He was 46. Mbuli collapsed while watching a rugby match between the Cheetahs and the Reds at the Free State Stadium on Saturday night. He was treated at the scene before being rushed to the Mediclinic hospital in the city.

A family spokesperson told the SABC that the cause of death has not yet been determined. The spokesperson has requested that the family's privacy be respected as they try to get to terms with the tragedy.

The loss for the country is the loss for the people of the Free State, may all be consoled, for the fact that he touched their lives in a positive way

The Free State government has expressed shock at the passing of Mbuli. Free State government spokesperson Mondli Mvambi says: “Our learning about the passing of Mr Vuyo Mbuli has deeply saddened the Free State government, the people of the Free State, on behalf of the Free State government and on behalf of the people of the Free State, the premier has expressed deep sadness and words of condolences to the family the colleagues that he worked with at the SABC, the people whose lives he has touched in a positive way throughout the length and the breath of our country. We would like to say we are deeply saddened by the loss. The loss for the country is the loss for the people of the Free State, may all be consoled, for the fact that he touched their lives in a positive way.”

Click below to listen to the Free State government spokesperson's reaction.

SAFM Station Manager, Dennis O'Donnell, who has fond memories of Mbuli described him as a versatile broadcaster.

Click below to listen to Dennis O'Donnell

Mbuli started his radio career on SAfm in 1995 when he teamed up with veteran broadcaster Paddy O'Byrne. He has been with Morning Live on SABC 2 since its inception on 1 November 1999.

He made his television debut in 1993 for SABC 3 as a Continuity Presenter and worked his way up to Sports Presenting and as a News Anchor.

Over the past 13 years of Morning Live, Mbuli has interviewed a wide range of local and international celebrities, politicians and sports personalities.